Prevalence of dysmenorrhea among female students at the University of Riau-Indonesia

Abstract

Objective

To determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among students at the University of Riau Indonesia.

Method

This was a survey study, where data was collected through online questionnaire form from 1121 female students’ concerning the occurrence and duration of dysmenorrhea, with severity graded using visual analog scale (VAS), premenstrual symptoms, effects. Also, information regarding the treatment was also collected using a semistructured questionnaire.

Results

Dysmenorrhea was reported in 82.9% (929) of the participants. In addition, the average age of respondents was 19.41 years, and a majority were from Malay ethnic (28.8%), as well as Muslim (90.9%). The VAS showed moderate pain experiences in 39.7%, while 44% indicated the negative influence on daily activities. Moreover, 71.2% reported a dysmenorrhea duration of 8–72 h, while 39.7% had a moderate pain score, and over half (62.4%) suffered informed and extended pains during the first menstruation, while 38.85% had physical and psychological symptoms. Furthermore, the predominant treatment was rest (34.9%).

Conclusion

Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among students at the University of Riau, and also confers numerous negative effects. Therefore, developing interests to provide the appropriate health education is important.